Seismograph Service Ltd was contracted to conduct a land seismic survey (consisting of 264.68 line kms) between Gisborne and Wairoa in PPL 38039 of North Island, NZ for Petroleum Corporation of NZ (Exploration) Ltd. A Vibroseis survey was undertaken by Seismograph Service Ltd in 1979, but this was limited to existing roads and tracks. Its results showed complex structures that warranted further study by this survey along straight lines that necessitated the use of an explosive source and helicopter support.